Wirehaired Vizsla

Just how old the breed is has been the subject of many arguments. They are very similar to the Weimaraner, and some say that the Vizsla was a cross between the Weimaraner and various pointers as recently as the 20th century. However, Hungarian breeders maintain that it is the other way around and that there are records of Vizslas dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. They would hunt with Magyars and their falcons. In all likelihood this is the correct version of events and the Vizsla has been helping Hungarian hunters for hundreds of years, although when the breed struggled to survive in the early part of the 20th century, pointers were introduced to strengthen the stock and ensure their survival.

Wirehaired Vizsla dog owners should be prepared for long walks and time spent outdoors, as well as training. This is a country dog made for rural life, and though they are robust and have fantastic stamina, they are also sensitive and won’t thrive in an overwhelming urban environment. Adaptable and clever, they’re capable of any task you are capable of training.

The Wirehaired Vizsla needs daily exercise. As you'd expect, given their hunting, pointing, and retrieving background, retrieval games, especially in water, are popular with them. They need plenty of off-lead free running and exploring.

Wirehaired Vizsla dogs do not do well in urban environments. They are large and active country dogs that need a lot of space both inside and out.

The wiry coat is easy to care for and requires very little maintenance. Plan for a weekly brush, and check for any lumps, bumps, and injuries they might have picked up.

Wirehaired Vizsla dogs enjoy working with their owners and will enjoy training as long as it is fun and rewarding. They can reach a high standard of obedience and can happily compete in dog sports such as agility, but will sometimes have unexpected moments of apparent deafness when something exciting like a squirrel catches their eye. As such, training a good recall is important.

Wirehaired Vizslas can make great dogs for active families with older children who love the great outdoors and plenty of walking.

The cost of a Wirehaired Vizsla from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.